ABSTRACT
In this study we have evaluated the modifications of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in malignant pleural fluids taken from patients suffering from lung cancer and treated with intrapleural talc instillation to induce pleurodesis. Furthermore, we have analysed the variations of some inflammatory mediators (C-reactive protein, alpha-1 antitrypsin) and of a protein (plasminogen) involved in MMP activation. In all patients the clinical improvement after talc pleurodesis was followed by a reduction in MMP-1, TIMP-1, C-reactive protein, alpha-1 antitrypsin and plasminogen activity. Furthermore, MMP-9 levels were variable; in fact, in some patients they were high at the beginning of treatment, in others they increased a few days after pleurodesis induction. These inhibitory effects of talc on MMP-1 and inflammatory mediators associated with the reduction of pleural effusion could constitute an effective means to evaluate the evolution of the treatment.
Subject(s)
Matrix Metalloproteinases/metabolism , Pleural Effusion, Malignant/therapy , Pleurodesis , Talc/administration & dosage , Aged , C-Reactive Protein/analysis , C-Reactive Protein/metabolism , Female , Humans , Male , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/analysis , Matrix Metalloproteinase 1/metabolism , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/analysis , Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/metabolism , Middle Aged , Plasminogen/analysis , Plasminogen/metabolism , Pleural Effusion, Malignant/enzymology , Pleural Effusion, Malignant/immunology , Statistics, Nonparametric , Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/analysis , Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/metabolism , alpha 1-Antitrypsin/analysis , alpha 1-Antitrypsin/metabolismSubject(s)
Vaginal Birth after Cesarean , Apgar Score , Cesarean Section/statistics & numerical data , Chi-Square Distribution , Female , Humans , Incidence , Infant, Newborn , Italy/epidemiology , Pregnancy , Pregnancy Outcome/epidemiology , Trial of Labor , Vaginal Birth after Cesarean/statistics & numerical dataABSTRACT
Reference is made to personal experience in drawing attention to the high percentage of positivity observed in tumour and systemic forms by means of distal biopsy with flexible tweezers, a method free from complications worthy of note. Close collaboration between the bronchology and histopathology service is required to ensure an exact interpretation and a qualitatively better evaluation of the material removed.